ABSTRACT

The War of American Independence, 1763–1783: Falling Dominoes addresses the military, maritime and naval, economic, key personalities, key societal groups, political, imperial rivalry, and diplomatic dynamics and events from the post-Seven Years’ War era in Great Britain’s North American colonies through the end of the War of American Independence.

Beginning in 1763 and moving through the war chronologically, the authors argue that British political and strategic leaders failed to develop an effective strategy to quell the discontent and subsequent revolt in the North American colonies and thus failed to restore allegiance to the Crown. This book describes and analyzes events and the outcomes of central players’ decisions—the British North American colonies, Great Britain, France, Spain, and the Dutch Republic—and the resultant actions. It examines events through the thematic lens of strategy, political and military leadership, public attitudes, economics, international rivalries and relations, and the role of traditionally less-considered groups: women, slaves, and Native American peoples.

This book is an enlightening and essential read for all history students, from high school through to those on postgraduate courses, as well as those with an interest in the American Revolution.

chapter |17 pages

Introduction

A War of Many Peoples

part I|77 pages

Blowing the Matches

chapter 1|30 pages

"In a Fit of Absence of Mind"

chapter 2|23 pages

The Shot Heard 'Round the World

chapter 3|22 pages

High Water Mark

part II|60 pages

Stalemate in the Middle

chapter 4|21 pages

Divide and Conquer

chapter 5|19 pages

Shift to the Middle

chapter 6|18 pages

A Harsh Winter

part III|71 pages

Southern Gambit

chapter 7|23 pages

"A Want of Discrimination"

chapter 8|25 pages

Campaign in the Carolina Backcountry

chapter 9|21 pages

The North Carolina and Virginia Invasions

part IV|58 pages

A Measure of the Utmost Importance

chapter 10|17 pages

Sea Power and the American War

chapter 11|18 pages

A Global War

chapter 12|16 pages

War Termination

chapter |5 pages

Conclusion

Peril and Delusion